How to say "sorrow" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 憂いうれいnounSorrow felt as a heavy, lingering weight on the heart, shading into anguish or distress; suits brooding, inward grief more than openly expressed sadness.
- 不幸ふこうnoun, na-adjectiveChiefly unhappiness, misfortune, or disaster — an unhappy state of affairs or lot in life. Seldom the word for the emotion of sorrow itself; choose it when sorrow means misfortune.
- 悲しみかなしみnounThe straightforward word for sadness, sorrow, and grief — the feeling itself, from everyday sadness to deep mourning. When unsure which word to use for sorrow, this is the safe default.
- 哀れあわれnounSorrow tinged with pity: the misery of a person or thing that stirs compassion. Best for pitiable, pathetic situations that move the heart.
- 哀愁あいしゅうnounA wistful, plaintive sorrow — pathos as a mood or atmosphere. Often describes scenes, music, or memories tinged with melancholy rather than acute personal grief.
Use 「悲しみ」 for sadness or grief in general; 「憂い」 for heavy, brooding anguish; 「哀れ」 for sorrow that stirs pity; 哀愁 for wistful pathos in a scene; and 不幸 for unhappiness or misfortune rather than the emotion itself.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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